Georgian Gov’t offers condolences after Pakistan plane crash

Flight PK-661 was flying from Chitral to Islamabad. Photo by AFP.
Agenda.ge, 08 Dec 2016 - 11:00, Tbilisi,Georgia

The Government of Georgia has expressed deep condolences to Pakistan following yesterday’s plane crash, which killed all 48 people on board.

The Pakistan International Airways flight was travelling on a domestic route when it crashed in the country's north yesterday afternoon.

There were 42 passengers, five crew members and one ground engineer on board, the airline confirmed.

Famous pop singer-turned Islamic preacher Junaid Jamshed was among the victims, along with three foreigners - two Austrians and one Chinese citizen - reported BBC.

Georgia offered words of sympathy regarding the crash.

Let me express my deep sorrow about the plane crash in Pakistan. I express deep condolences to the families of the victims, the people of Pakistan and the country's government. I wish for them to stand strong in this moment of grief,” said Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili. 

Flight PK-661 was flying from Chitral to capital Islamabad.

Pakistani authorities said an investigation would be launched to determine the cause of the crash however apparent engine issues will be a focus of inquiries.

Irfan Elahi, from Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority, told Dawn newspaper: "At the moment, there is no other reason for the plane crash other than the failure of the left engine."

The plane came down in the Havelian area of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, about 70km from Islamabad.